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Xiong HY, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Hendrix J, De Bruyne E, Godderis L, Schabrun S, Nijs J, Polli A. Epigenetic Landscapes of Pain: DNA Methylation Dynamics in Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8324. [PMID: 39125894 PMCID: PMC11312850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, where epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, might play an important role. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which DNA methylation and demethylation regulate genes associated with nociception and pain perception in nociceptive pathways. We explore the dynamic nature of these epigenetic processes, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-nociceptive genes. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been observed in patients with various chronic pain syndromes, correlating with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, neuronal hyperexcitability, and inflammatory responses. Genome-wide analyses shed light on differentially methylated regions and genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for chronic pain in the epigenetic landscape. The transition from acute to chronic pain is marked by rapid DNA methylation reprogramming, suggesting its potential role in pain chronicity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics of DNA methylation during this transition to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Reversing pathological DNA methylation patterns through epigenetic therapies emerges as a promising strategy for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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Ao X, Parisien M, Fillingim RB, Ohrbach R, Slade GD, Diatchenko L, Smith SB. Whole-genome methylation profiling reveals regions associated with painful temporomandibular disorders and active recovery processes. Pain 2024; 165:1060-1073. [PMID: 38015635 PMCID: PMC11018476 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), collectively representing one of the most common chronic pain conditions, have a substantial genetic component, but genetic variation alone has not fully explained the heritability of TMD risk. Reasoning that the unexplained heritability may be because of DNA methylation, an epigenetic phenomenon, we measured genome-wide DNA methylation using the Illumina MethylationEPIC platform with blood samples from participants in the Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) study. Associations with chronic TMD used methylation data from 496 chronic painful TMD cases and 452 TMD-free controls. Changes in methylation between enrollment and a 6-month follow-up visit were determined for a separate sample of 62 people with recent-onset painful TMD. More than 750,000 individual CpG sites were examined for association with chronic painful TMD. Six differentially methylated regions were significantly ( P < 5 × 10 -8 ) associated with chronic painful TMD, including loci near genes involved in the regulation of inflammatory and neuronal response. A majority of loci were similarly differentially methylated in acute TMD consistent with observed transience or persistence of symptoms at follow-up. Functional characterization of the identified regions found relationships between methylation at these loci and nearby genetic variation contributing to chronic painful TMD and with gene expression of proximal genes. These findings reveal epigenetic contributions to chronic painful TMD through methylation of the genes FMOD , PM20D1 , ZNF718 , ZFP57 , and RNF39 , following the development of acute painful TMD. Epigenetic regulation of these genes likely contributes to the trajectory of transcriptional events in affected tissues leading to resolution or chronicity of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ao
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences; Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain; McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marc Parisien
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences; Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain; McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Roger B. Fillingim
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Richard Ohrbach
- Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Gary D. Slade
- Division of Pediatric and Public Health, Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences; Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain; McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Shad B. Smith
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Li L, Ru Q, Lu Y, Fang X, Chen G, Saifullah AB, Yao C, Tolias KF. Tiam1 coordinates synaptic structural and functional plasticity underpinning the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. Neuron 2023; 111:2038-2050.e6. [PMID: 37146610 PMCID: PMC10330505 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common, debilitating chronic pain condition caused by damage or a disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies to treat chronic pain effectively. Tiam1 is a Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that promotes dendritic and synaptic growth during hippocampal development by inducing actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Here, using multiple neuropathic pain animal models, we show that Tiam1 coordinates synaptic structural and functional plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn via actin cytoskeleton reorganization and synaptic NMDAR stabilization and that these actions are essential for the initiation, transition, and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, an antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting spinal Tiam1 persistently alleviate neuropathic pain sensitivity. Our findings suggest that Tiam1-coordinated synaptic functional and structural plasticity underlies the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and that intervention of Tiam1-mediated maladaptive synaptic plasticity has long-lasting consequences in neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Health and Kinesiology, School of Physical Education, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yungang Lu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xing Fang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guanxing Chen
- Department of Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ali Bin Saifullah
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Changqun Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Huang C, Zhang N, Wei M, Pan Q, Cheng C, Lu KE, Mo J, Chen Y. Methylation factors as biomarkers of fibromyalgia. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:169. [PMID: 36923073 PMCID: PMC10009573 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common and intractable chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome, but its exact underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study sought to identify biomarkers of FM and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease. Methods FM-related gene expression profiles (GSE67311) and methylation profiles (GSE85506) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and a differential expression analysis was performed to identify the methylation factors. Subsequently, an enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted to examine the methylation factors. In addition, the transcriptional regulators of the methylation factors were predicted, and key methylation factors were identified by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and nomogram models. Finally, the relationship between FM and cell death (pyroptosis, necroptosis, and cuproptosis) was assessed by a GSEA and gene set variation analysis. Results A total of 455 methylation factors were identified. The enrichment analysis and GSEA results showed that methylation factors were clearly involved in the biological functions and signaling pathways related to neural, immune inflammation, and pain responses. The transcriptional regulator specificity protein 1 (SP1) may have a broad regulatory role. Finally, seven key methylation factors were identified, of which amino beta (A4) precursor protein binding family B member 2 (APBB2), A-kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12), and cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) had strong clinical diagnostic power. In addition, AKAP12 and CD38 were significantly and negatively associated with sepsis, necrotizing sepsis, and cupular sepsis. Conclusions Our study suggests that FM is associated with deoxyribonucleic acid methylation. The methylation factors APBB2, AKAP12, and CD38 may be potential biomarkers and should be further examined to provide a new biological framework of the possible disease mechanisms underlying FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Huang
- Department of Basic Science, Yuandong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, China.,Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Basic Science, Yuandong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengxin Wei
- Department of Basic Science, Yuandong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qinchun Pan
- School of Medicine and Health, Guangxi Vocational and Technical Institute of Industry, Nanning, China
| | - Chunyan Cheng
- College of Food and Drug Engineering, Guangxi Vocational University of Agriculture, Nanning, China
| | - Ke-Er Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianwen Mo
- Department of Basic Science, Yuandong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, China.,Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Department of Basic Science, Yuandong International Academy of Life Sciences, Hong Kong, China.,Biology Institute, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
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Montesino-Goicolea S, Meng L, Rani A, Huo Z, Foster TC, Fillingim RB, Cruz-Almeida Y. Enrichment of genomic pathways based on differential DNA methylation profiles associated with knee osteoarthritis pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 12:100107. [PMID: 36531611 PMCID: PMC9755025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Our study aimed to identify differentially methylated regions (i.e., genomic region where multiple adjacent CpG sites show differential methylation) and their enriched genomic pathways associated with knee osteoarthritis pain (KOA). We recruited cognitively healthy middle to older aged (age 45-85) adults with (n = 182) and without (n = 31) self-reported KOA pain. We also extracted DNA from peripheral blood that was analyzed using MethylationEPIC arrays. The R package minfi (Aryee et al., 2014) was used to perform methylation data preprocessing and quality control. To investigate biological pathways impacted by differential methylation, we performed pathway enrichment analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify canonical pathways and upstream regulators. Annotated genes within ± 5 kb of the putative differentially methylated regions (DMRs, p < 0.05) were subjected to the IPA analysis. There was no significant difference in age, sex, study site between no pain and pain group (p > 0.05). Non-Hispanic black individuals were overrepresented in the pain group (p = 0.003). At raw p < 0.05 cutoff, we identified a total of 19,710 CpG probes, including 13,951 hypermethylated CpG probes, for which DNA methylation level was higher in the groups with highest pain grades. We also identified 5,759 hypomethylated CpG probes for which DNA methylation level was lower in the pain groups with higher pain grades. IPA revealed that pain-related DMRs were enriched across multiple pathways and upstream regulators. The top 10 canonical pathways were linked to cellular signaling processes related to immune responses (i.e., antigen presentation, PD-1, PD-L1 cancer immunotherapy, B cell development, IL-4 signaling, Th1 and Th2 activation pathway, and phagosome maturation). Moreover, in terms of upstream regulators, NDUFAF3 was the most significant (p = 8.6E-04) upstream regulator. Our findings support previous preliminary work suggesting the importance of epigenetic regulation of the immune system in knee pain and the need for future work to understand the epigenetic contributions to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soamy Montesino-Goicolea
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Cognitive Aging & Memory, McKnight Brain Foundation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lingsong Meng
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Asha Rani
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zhiguang Huo
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas C. Foster
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roger B. Fillingim
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Cognitive Aging & Memory, McKnight Brain Foundation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health & Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Corresponding author at: PO Box 103628, 1329 SW 16th Street, Ste 5180 (zip 32608), Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. https://price.ctsi.ufl.edu/about-the-center/staff/yenisel-cruz-almeida/
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Stenz L, Carré JL, Luthi F, Vuistiner P, Burrus C, Paoloni-Giacobino A, Léger B. Genome-Wide Epigenomic Analyses in Patients With Nociceptive and Neuropathic Chronic Pain Subtypes Reveals Alterations in Methylation of Genes Involved in the Neuro-Musculoskeletal System. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:326-336. [PMID: 34547430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptive pain involves the activation of nociceptors without damage to the nervous system, whereas neuropathic pain is related to an alteration in the central or peripheral nervous system. Chronic pain itself and the transition from acute to chronic pain may be epigenetically controlled. In this cross-sectional study, a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed using the blood DNA reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) technique. Three prospective cohorts including 20 healthy controls (CTL), 18 patients with chronic nociceptive pain (NOCI), and 19 patients with chronic neuropathic pain (NEURO) were compared at both the single CpG and differentially methylated region (DMR) levels. Genes with DMRs were seen in the NOCI and NEURO groups belonged to the neuro-musculoskeletal system and differed between NOCI and NEURO patients. Our results demonstrate that the epigenetic disturbances accompanying nociceptive pain are very different from those accompanying neuropathic pain. In the former, among others, the epigenetic disturbance observed would affect the function of the opioid analgesic system, whereas in the latter it would affect that of the GABAergic reward system. This study presents biological findings that help to characterize NOCI- and NEURO-affected pathways and opens the possibility of developing epigenetic diagnostic assays. PERSPECTIVE: Our results help to explain the various biological pathways modifications underlying the different clinical manifestations of nociceptive and neuropathic pains. Furthermore, the new targets identified in our study might help to discover more specific treatments for nociceptive or neuropathic pains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Stenz
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Geneva University, Medicine Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joane Le Carré
- Institute for Research in Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland
| | - François Luthi
- Institute for Research in Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopaedic Hospital, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Vuistiner
- Institute for Research in Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Cyrille Burrus
- Institute for Research in Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Ariane Paoloni-Giacobino
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Geneva University, Medicine Faculty, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bertrand Léger
- Institute for Research in Rehabilitation, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland; Department of Medical Research, Clinique romande de réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland.
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Epigenetic signature of chronic low back pain in human T cells. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e960. [PMID: 34746619 PMCID: PMC8568391 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. This study reveals sex-specific DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that discriminate chronic low back pain participants from healthy controls. Objective: Determine if chronic low back pain (LBP) is associated with DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that will reveal novel mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets and explore the feasibility of epigenetic diagnostic markers for pain-related pathophysiology. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of 850,000 CpG sites in women and men with chronic LBP and pain-free controls was performed. T cells were isolated (discovery cohort, n = 32) and used to identify differentially methylated CpG sites, and gene ontologies and molecular pathways were identified. A polygenic DNA methylation score for LBP was generated in both women and men. Validation was performed in an independent cohort (validation cohort, n = 63) of chronic LBP and healthy controls. Results: Analysis with the discovery cohort revealed a total of 2,496 and 419 differentially methylated CpGs in women and men, respectively. In women, most of these sites were hypomethylated and enriched in genes with functions in the extracellular matrix, in the immune system (ie, cytokines), or in epigenetic processes. In men, a unique chronic LBP DNA methylation signature was identified characterized by significant enrichment for genes from the major histocompatibility complex. Sex-specific polygenic DNA methylation scores were generated to estimate the pain status of each individual and confirmed in the validation cohort using pyrosequencing. Conclusion: This study reveals sex-specific DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that discriminates chronic LBP participants from healthy controls.
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DNA Methylation Changes in Fibromyalgia Suggest the Role of the Immune-Inflammatory Response and Central Sensitization. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214992. [PMID: 34768513 PMCID: PMC8584620 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) has been explained as a result of gene-environment interactions. The present study aims to verify DNA methylation differences in eleven candidate genome regions previously associated to FM, evaluating DNA methylation patterns as potential disease biomarkers. DNA methylation was analyzed through bisulfite sequencing, comparing 42 FM women and their 42 healthy sisters. The associations between the level of methylation in these regions were further explored through a network analysis. Lastly, a logistic regression model investigated the regions potentially associated with FM, when controlling for sociodemographic variables and depressive symptoms. The analysis highlighted significant differences in the GCSAML region methylation between patients and controls. Moreover, seventeen single CpGs, belonging to other genes, were significantly different, however, only one cytosine related to GCSAML survived the correction for multiple comparisons. The network structure of methylation sites was different for each group; GRM2 methylation represented a central node only for FM patients. Logistic regression revealed that depressive symptoms and DNA methylation in the GRM2 region were significantly associated with FM risk. Our study encourages better exploration of GCSAML and GRM2 functions and their possible role in FM affecting immune, inflammatory response, and central sensitization of pain.
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Eller OC, Glidden N, Knight B, McKearney N, Perry M, Bernier Carney KM, Starkweather A, Young EE, Baumbauer KM. A Role for Global DNA Methylation Level and IL2 Expression in the Transition From Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2021; 2:744148. [PMID: 35295525 PMCID: PMC8915771 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.744148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The transition from acute low back pain (aLBP) to chronic LBP (cLBP) results from a variety of factors, including epigenetic modifications of DNA. The aim of this study was to (1) compare global DNA (gDNA) methylation and histone acetylation at LBP onset between the aLBP and cLBP participants, (2) compare mRNA expression of genes with known roles in the transduction, maintenance, and/or modulation of pain between the aLBP and cLBP participants, (3) compare somatosensory function and pain ratings in our participants, and (4) determine if the aforementioned measurements were associated.Methods: A total of 220 participants were recruited for this prospective observational study following recent onset of an episode of LBP. We retained 45 individuals whose gDNA was of sufficient quality for analysis. The final sample included 14 participants whose pain resolved within 6 weeks of onset (aLBP),15 participants that reported pain for 6 months (cLBP), and 16 healthy controls. Participants were subjected to quantitative sensory testing (QST), blood was drawn via venipuncture, gDNA isolated, and global DNA methylation and histone acetylation, as well as mRNA expression of 84 candidate genes, were measured.Results: Individuals that develop cLBP display multimodal somatosensory hypersensitivity relative to aLBP participants. cLBP participants also had significantly lower global DNA methylation, which was negatively correlated with interleukin-2 (IL2) mRNA expression.Discussion: cLBP is characterized by somatosensory hypersensitivity, lower global DNA methylation, and higher IL2 expression level compared to those whose pain will resolve quickly (aLBP). These results suggest potential diagnostic and therapeutic relevance for global DNA methylation and IL2 expression in the pathology underlying the transition from acute to chronic LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C. Eller
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Nicole Glidden
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Brittany Knight
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Noelle McKearney
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Mallory Perry
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Katherine M. Bernier Carney
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Angela Starkweather
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- *Correspondence: Erin E. Young
| | - Kyle M. Baumbauer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Aroke EN, Overstreet DS, Penn TM, Crossman DK, Jackson P, Tollefsbol TO, Quinn TL, Yi N, Goodin BR. Identification of DNA methylation associated enrichment pathways in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920972889. [PMID: 33169629 PMCID: PMC7658508 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920972889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) that cannot be attributable to a specific pathoanatomical change is associated with high personal and societal costs. Still, the underlying mechanism that causes and sustains such a phenotype is largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic changes play a role in chronic pain conditions. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), we evaluated DNA methylation profiles of adults with non-specific cLBP (n = 50) and pain-free controls (n = 48). We identified 28,325 hypermethylated and 36,936 hypomethylated CpG sites (p < 0.05). After correcting for multiple testing, we identified 159 DMRs (q < 0.01and methylation difference > 10%), the majority of which were located in CpG island (50%) and promoter regions (48%) on the associated genes. The genes associated with the differentially methylated regions were highly enriched in biological processes that have previously been implicated in immune signaling, endochondral ossification, and G-protein coupled transmissions. Our findings support inflammatory alterations and the role of bone maturation in cLBP. This study suggests that epigenetic regulation has an important role in the pathophysiology of non-specific cLBP and a basis for future studies in biomarker development and targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin N Aroke
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Demario S Overstreet
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Terence M Penn
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pamela Jackson
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tammie L Quinn
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nengjun Yi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Burel R Goodin
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Freidin MB, Stalteri MA, Wells PM, Lachance G, Baleanu AF, Bowyer RCE, Kurilshikov A, Zhernakova A, Steves CJ, Williams FMK. An association between chronic widespread pain and the gut microbiome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3727-3737. [PMID: 33331911 PMCID: PMC8328510 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) is a characteristic symptom of fibromyalgia, which has been shown to be associated with an altered gut microbiome. Microbiome studies to date have not examined the milder CWP phenotype specifically nor have they explored the role of raised BMI. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the microbiome is abnormal in CWP. METHODS CWP was assessed using a standardized screening questionnaire in female volunteers from the TwinsUK cohort including 113 CWP cases and 1623 controls. The stool microbiome was characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and amplicon sequence variants, and associations with CWP examined using linear mixed-effects models adjusting for BMI, age, diet, family relatedness and technical factors. RESULTS Alpha diversity was significantly lower in CWP cases than controls (Mann-Whitney test, P-values 2.3e-04 and 1.2e-02, for Shannon and Simpson indices respectively). The species Coprococcus comes was significantly depleted in CWP cases (Padj = 3.04e-03). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed for C. comes in TwinsUK followed by meta-analysis with three Dutch cohorts (total n = 3521) resulted in nine suggestive regions, with the most convincing on chromosome 4 near the TRAM1L1 gene (rs76957229, P = 7.4e-8). A Mendelian randomization study based on the results of the GWAS did not support a causal role for C. comes on the development of CWP. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated reduced diversity in the microbiome in CWP, indicating an involvement of the gut microbiota in CWP; prospectively the microbiome may offer therapeutic opportunities for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim B Freidin
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria A Stalteri
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Philippa M Wells
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Genevieve Lachance
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrei-Florin Baleanu
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth C E Bowyer
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander Kurilshikov
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Zhernakova
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Claire J Steves
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Frances M K Williams
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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12
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Phadke A, Amin P. A Recent Update on Drug Delivery Systems for Pain Management. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2021; 35:175-214. [PMID: 34157247 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2021.1925386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pain remains a global health challenge affecting approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. Pain has been an implicit variable in the equation of human life for many centuries considering different types and the magnitude of pain. Therefore, developing an efficacious drug delivery system for pain management remains an open challenge for researchers in the field of medicine. Lack of therapeutic efficacy still persists, despite high throughput studies in the field of pain management. Research scientists have been exploiting different alternatives to curb the adverse side effects of pain medications or attempting a more substantial approach to minimize the prevalence of pain. Various drug delivery systems have been developed such as nanoparticles, microparticles to curb adverse side effects of pain medications or minimize the prevalence of pain. This literature review firstly provides a brief introduction of pain as a sensation and its pharmacological interventions. Second, it highlights the most recent studies in the pharmaceutical field for pain management and serves as a strong base for future developments. Herein, we have classified drug delivery systems based on their sizes such as nano, micro, and macro systems, and for each of the reviewed systems, design, formulation strategies, and drug release performance has been discussed.
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13
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Tang J, Su Q, Zhang X, Qin W, Liu H, Liang M, Yu C. Brain Gene Expression Pattern Correlated with the Differential Brain Activation by Pain and Touch in Humans. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3506-3521. [PMID: 33693675 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes involved in pain and touch sensations have been studied extensively, but very few studies have tried to link them with neural activities in the brain. Here, we aimed to identify genes preferentially correlated to painful activation patterns by linking the spatial patterns of gene expression of Allen Human Brain Atlas with the pain-elicited neural responses in the human brain, with a parallel, control analysis for identification of genes preferentially correlated to tactile activation patterns. We identified 1828 genes whose expression patterns preferentially correlated to painful activation patterns and 411 genes whose expression patterns preferentially correlated to tactile activation pattern at the cortical level. In contrast to the enrichment for astrocyte and inhibitory synaptic transmission of genes preferentially correlated to tactile activation, the genes preferentially correlated to painful activation were mainly enriched for neuron and opioid- and addiction-related pathways and showed significant overlap with pain-related genes identified in previous studies. These findings not only provide important evidence for the differential genetic architectures of specific brain activation patterns elicited by painful and tactile stimuli but also validate a new approach to studying pain- and touch-related genes more directly from the perspective of neural responses in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Qian Su
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for China, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Wen Qin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Huaigui Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Meng Liang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Chunshui Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
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14
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Livshits G, Kalinkovich A. Specialized, pro-resolving mediators as potential therapeutic agents for alleviating fibromyalgia symptomatology. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:977-990. [PMID: 33565588 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present a hypothesis on a novel strategy in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN A narrative review. SETTING FM as a disease remains a challenging concept for numerous reasons, including undefined etiopathogenesis, unclear triggers and unsuccessful treatment modalities. We hypothesize that the inflammatome, the entire set of molecules involved in inflammation, acting as a common pathophysiological instrument of gut dysbiosis, sarcopenia, and neuroinflammation, is one of the major mechanisms underlying FM pathogenesis. In this setup, dysbiosis is proposed as the primary trigger of the inflammatome, sarcopenia as the peripheral nociceptive source, and neuroinflammation as the central mechanism of pain sensitization, transmission and symptomatology of FM. Whereas neuroinflammation is highly-considered as a critical deleterious element in FM pathogenesis, the presumed pathogenic roles of sarcopenia and systemic inflammation remain controversial. Nevertheless, sarcopenia-associated processes and dysbiosis have been recently detected in FM individuals. The prevalence of pro-inflammatory factors in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood has been repeatedly observed in FM individuals, supporting an idea on the role of inflammatome in FM pathogenesis. As such, failed inflammation resolution might be one of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In accordance, the application of specialized, inflammation pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) seems most suitable for this goal. CONCLUSIONS The capability of various SPMs to prevent and attenuate pain has been repeatedly demonstrated in laboratory animal experiments. Since SPMs suppress inflammation in a manner that does not compromise host defense, they could be attractive and safe candidates for the alleviation of FM symptomatology, probably in combination with anti-dysbiotic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Livshits
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexander Kalinkovich
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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15
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Gerra MC, Carnevali D, Pedersen IS, Donnini C, Manfredini M, González-Villar A, Triñanes Y, Pidal-Miranda M, Arendt-Nielsen L, Carrillo-de-la-Peña MT. DNA methylation changes in genes involved in inflammation and depression in fibromyalgia: a pilot study. Scand J Pain 2020; 21:372-383. [PMID: 34387961 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2020-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present pilot study aims to investigate DNA methylation changes of genes related to fibromyalgia (FM) development and its main comorbid symptoms, including sleep impairment, inflammation, depression and other psychiatric disorders. Epigenetic modifications might trigger or perpetuate complex interplay between pain transduction/transmission, central pain processing and experienced stressors in vulnerable individuals. METHODS We conducted DNA methylation analysis by targeted bisulfite NGS sequencing testing differential methylation in 112 genomic regions from leukocytes of eight women with FM and their eight healthy sisters as controls. RESULTS Tests for differentially methylated regions and cytosines brought focus on the GRM2 gene, encoding the metabotropic glutamate receptor2. The slightly increased DNA methylation observed in the GRM2 region of FM patients may confirm the involvement of the glutamate pathway in this pathological condition. Logistic regression highlighted the simultaneous association of methylation levels of depression and inflammation-related genes with FM. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, the results evidence the glutamate pathway involvement in FM and support the idea that a combination of methylated and unmethylated genes could represent a risk factor to FM or its consequence, more than single genes. Further studies on the identified biomarkers could contribute to unravel the causative underlying FM mechanisms, giving reliable directions to research, improving the diagnosis and effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Davide Carnevali
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma (UNIPR), Parma, Italy
| | - Inge Søkilde Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital and Aalborg University, Molecular Diagnostics, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Claudia Donnini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma (UNIPR), Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Manfredini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma (UNIPR), Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto González-Villar
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Yolanda Triñanes
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marina Pidal-Miranda
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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16
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Hendrix J, Nijs J, Ickmans K, Godderis L, Ghosh M, Polli A. The Interplay between Oxidative Stress, Exercise, and Pain in Health and Disease: Potential Role of Autonomic Regulation and Epigenetic Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1166. [PMID: 33238564 PMCID: PMC7700330 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress can be induced by various stimuli and altered in certain conditions, including exercise and pain. Although many studies have investigated oxidative stress in relation to either exercise or pain, the literature presents conflicting results. Therefore, this review critically discusses existing literature about this topic, aiming to provide a clear overview of known interactions between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain in healthy people as well as in people with chronic pain, and to highlight possible confounding factors to keep in mind when reflecting on these interactions. In addition, autonomic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms are proposed as potential mechanisms of action underlying the interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain. This review highlights that the relation between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain is poorly understood and not straightforward, as it is dependent on the characteristics of exercise, but also on which population is investigated. To be able to compare studies on this topic, strict guidelines should be developed to limit the effect of several confounding factors. This way, the true interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain, and the underlying mechanisms of action can be revealed and validated via independent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
- University of Gothenburg Center for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kelly Ickmans
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
- External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work (IDEWE), 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Møller Johansen L, Gerra MC, Arendt-Nielsen L. Time course of DNA methylation in pain conditions: From experimental models to humans. Eur J Pain 2020; 25:296-312. [PMID: 33063322 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Throughout the last decade, research has uncovered associations between pain and epigenetic alterations caused by environmental factors. Specifically, studies have demonstrated correlations between pain conditions and altered DNA methylation patterns. Thus, DNA methylation has been revealed as a possible modulator or contributor to pain conditions, providing a potential therapeutic target for treatment by DNA methylation modification. To develop such treatments, it is necessary to clarify a wide number of aspects on how DNA methylation affects pain perception; first and foremost, the temporal dynamics. The objective of the present review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on temporal dynamics of DNA methylation in response to pain, and to investigate if a timeframe can be established based on the data of currently published studies. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Embase were searched comprehensively for studies of DNA methylation in neuropathic, inflammatory and alternative animal pain models, and in chronic pain patients including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, chronic postsurgical pain, chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia and Crohn's disease. RESULTS We identified 34 articles highlighting variations in temporal dynamics of DNA methylation across species and between different types of pain. These studies represent a starting point to uncover new insights in the DNA methylation time course in pain. CONCLUSIONS No timeframe can currently be made for the DNA methylation response to pain in any of the reviewed conditions, highlighting an important focus area for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Møller Johansen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, The Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maria Carla Gerra
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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18
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Polli A, Godderis L, Ghosh M, Ickmans K, Nijs J. Epigenetic and miRNA Expression Changes in People with Pain: A Systematic Review. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 21:763-780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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19
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Takenaka S, Sukenaga N, Ohmuraya M, Matsuki Y, Maeda L, Takao Y, Hirose M. Association between neuropathic pain characteristics and DNA methylation of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 in human peripheral blood. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19325. [PMID: 32080151 PMCID: PMC7034692 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms correlating with neuropathic pain in humans is crucial for the prevention and treatment of this treatment-resistant pain state. In the present study, associations between neuropathic pain characteristics and DNA methylation of the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) gene were evaluated in chronic pain patients and preoperative patients. Pain and psychological states were prospectively assessed in patients who suffered chronic pain or were scheduled for thoracic surgery. Neuropathic characteristics were assessed using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire. DNA methylation levels of the CpG islands in the TRPA1 gene were examined using whole blood. Forty-eight adult patients were enrolled in this study. Increases in DNA methylation rates at CpG -51 showed positive correlations with increases in the DN4 score both in preoperative and chronic pain patients. Combined methylation rates at CpG -51 in these patients also significantly increased together with increase in DN4 scores. Neuropathic pain characteristics are likely associated with methylation rates at the promoter region of the TRPA1 gene in human peripheral blood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuka Matsuki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimatology, Faculty of Medicine Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui
| | - Lynn Maeda
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Nishinomiya Municipal Central Hospital, Hyogo, Japan
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20
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Linking Lifestyle Factors to Complex Pain States: 3 Reasons Why Understanding Epigenetics May Improve the Delivery of Patient-Centered Care. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019; 49:683-687. [PMID: 31570075 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Persistent pain is determined by a diverse and ever-changing combination of biology, psychology, and society. Research suggests a need to embrace a patient-centered, biopsychosocial approach to improve outcomes. Only through in-depth understanding of complex mechanisms and by using mechanism-based reasoning can the clinician tailor interventions-the basic tenet of patient-centered care. Epigenetics is helping to unravel complex underlying mechanisms and might have at least 3 major clinical implications for orthopaedic and sports physical therapists. First, it promotes mechanism-based clinical reasoning by improved understanding of the pathophysiology of many health conditions and the underlying mechanisms of action of commonly used interventions. Second, it might help patient subgrouping, allowing more targeted interventions. Finally, it might be used as a biomarker to monitor the effects of environmental factors and lifestyle interventions on health. For these reasons, the authors urge clinicians and clinical researchers to follow this rapidly growing area of research, as it might be soon contributing to patient assessment. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(10):683-687. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.0612.
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21
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Chidambaran V, Zhang X, Geisler K, Stubbeman BL, Chen X, Weirauch MT, Meller J, Ji H. Enrichment of Genomic Pathways Based on Differential DNA Methylation Associated With Chronic Postsurgical Pain and Anxiety in Children: A Prospective, Pilot Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 20:771-785. [PMID: 30639570 PMCID: PMC6616015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have reported child anxiety sensitivity (Child Anxiety Sensitivity Index [CASI]) predicts chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). Herein, we evaluated DNA methylation profiles to understand the gene-environment interactions underlying CPSP and CASI, to identify shared, enriched, genomic pathways. In 73 prospectively recruited adolescents undergoing spine fusion, preoperative CASI and pain data over 12 months after surgery were collected. DNA from the peripheral blood of evaluable subjects with (n = 16) and without CPSP (n = 40) were analyzed using MethylationEPIC arrays. We identified 637 and 2,445 differentially DNA methylated positions (DMPs) associated with CPSP and CASI, respectively (P ≤ .05). Ingenuity pathway analysis of 39 genes with DMPs for both CPSP and CASI revealed enrichment of several canonical pathways, including GABA receptor (P = .00016 for CPSP; P =.0008 for CASI) and dopamine-DARPP32 feedback in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (P = .004 for CPSP and P =.00003 for CASI) signaling. Gene-gene interaction network enrichment analysis revealed participation of pathways in cell signaling, molecular transport, metabolism, and neurologic diseases (P < 10-8). Bioinformatic approaches to identify histone marks and transcription factor (TF) binding events underlying DMPs, showed their location in active regulatory regions in pain pathway relevant brain cells. Using Enrichr/Pinet enrichment and Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures knockdown signatures, we identified TFs regulating genes with DMPs in association with CPSP and CASI. In conclusion, we identified epigenetically enriched pathways associated with CPSP and anxiety sensitivity in children undergoing surgery. Our findings support GABA hypofunction and the roles of the dopamine-DARPP32 pathway in emotion/reward and pain. This pilot study provides new epigenetic insights into the pathophysiology of CPSP and a basis for future studies in biomarker development and targetable interventions. PERSPECTIVE: Differential DNA methylation in regulatory genomic regions enriching shared neural pathways were associated with CPSP and CASI in adolescents undergoing spine surgery. Our findings support GABA hypofunction and the roles of the dopamine-DARPP32 pathway in emotion/reward contributing to behavioral maintenance of pain 10 to 12 months after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Chidambaran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Xue Zhang
- Pyrosequencing core for genomic and epigenomic research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kristie Geisler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Bobbie L Stubbeman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jarek Meller
- Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati; Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Polli A, Ickmans K, Godderis L, Nijs J. When Environment Meets Genetics: A Clinical Review of the Epigenetics of Pain, Psychological Factors, and Physical Activity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 100:1153-1161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.09.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Livshits G, Malkin I, Bowyer RC, Verdi S, Bell JT, Menni C, Williams FM, Steves CJ. Multi-OMICS analyses of frailty and chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain suggest involvement of shared neurological pathways. Pain 2018; 159:2565-2572. [PMID: 30086113 PMCID: PMC6250282 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) and frailty are prevalent conditions in older people. We have shown previously that interindividual variation in frailty and CWP is genetically determined. We also reported an association of frailty and CWP caused by shared genetic and common environmental factors. The aim of this study was to use omic approaches to identify molecular genetic factors underlying the heritability of frailty and its genetic correlation with CWP. Frailty was quantified through the Rockwood Frailty Index (FI) as a proportion of deficits from 33 binary health deficit questions in 3626 female twins. Common widespread pain was assessed using a screening questionnaire. OMICS analysis included 305 metabolites and whole-genome (>2.5 × 10 SNPs) and epigenome (∼1 × 10 MeDIP-seq regions) assessments performed on fasting blood samples. Using family-based statistical analyses, including path analysis, we examined how FI scores were related to molecular genetic factors and to CWP, taking into account known risk factors such as fat mass and smoking. Frailty Index was significantly correlated with 51 metabolites after correction for multiple testing, with 20 metabolites having P-values between 2.1 × 10 and 4.0 × 10. Three metabolites (uridine, C-glycosyl tryptophan, and N-acetyl glycine) were statistically independent and thought to exert a direct effect on FI. Epiandrosterone sulphate, previously shown to be highly inversely associated with CWP, was found to exert an indirect influence on FI. Bioinformatics analysis of genome-wide association study and EWAS showed that FI and its covariation with CWP was through genomic regions involved in neurological pathways. Neurological pathway involvement accounts for the associated conditions of aging CWP and FI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Livshits
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ida Malkin
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth C.E. Bowyer
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serena Verdi
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jordana T. Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Menni
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frances M.K. Williams
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J. Steves
- Clinical Age Research Unit, King's College Hospitals Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Wang W, Li C, Cai Y, Pan ZZ. Pain vulnerability and DNA methyltransferase 3a involved in the affective dimension of chronic pain. Mol Pain 2018; 13:1744806917726713. [PMID: 28849714 PMCID: PMC5580851 DOI: 10.1177/1744806917726713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain with comorbid emotional disorders is a prevalent neurological disease in patients under various pathological conditions, yet patients show considerable difference in their vulnerability to developing chronic pain. Understanding the neurobiological basis underlying this pain vulnerability is essential to develop targeted therapies of higher efficiency in pain treatment of precision medicine. However, this pain vulnerability has not been addressed in preclinical pain research in animals to date. In this study, we investigated individual variance in both sensory and affective/emotional dimensions of pain behaviors in response to chronic neuropathic pain condition in a mouse model of chronic pain. We found that mice displayed considerably diverse sensitivities in the chronic pain-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of affective pain. Importantly, the mouse group that was more vulnerable to developing anxiety was also more vulnerable to developing depressive behavior under the chronic pain condition. In contrast, there was relatively much less variance in individual responses in the sensory dimension of pain sensitization. Molecular analysis revealed that those mice vulnerable to developing the emotional disorders showed a significant reduction in the protein level of DNA methyltransferase 3a in the emotion-processing central nucleus of the amygdala. In addition, social stress also revealed significant individual variance in anxiety behavior in mice. These findings suggest that individual pain vulnerability may be inherent mostly in the emotional/affective component of chronic pain and remain consistent in different aspects of negative emotion, in which adaptive changes in the function of DNA methyltransferase 3a for DNA methylation in central amygdala may play an important role. This may open a new avenue of basic research into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying pain vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, 4002 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Caiyue Li
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, 4002 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Youqing Cai
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, 4002 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhizhong Z Pan
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, 4002 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, TX, USA
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Epigenetics and primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2017; 68:8-9. [PMID: 29284617 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp17x693977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Abstract
The etiology underlying chronic widespread pain (CWP) remains largely unknown. An integrative biopsychosocial model seems to yield the most promising explanations for the pathogenesis of the condition, with genetic factors also contributing to disease development and maintenance. Here, we conducted a search of studies investigating the genetic and epigenetic epidemiology of CWP through electronic databases including Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Combinations of keywords including CWP, chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, genetics, epigenetics, gene, twins, single-nucleotide polymorphism, genotype, and alleles were used. In the end, a total of 15 publications were considered relevant to be included in this review: eight were twin studies on CWP, six were molecular genetic studies on CWP, and one was an epigenetic study on CWP. The findings suggest genetic and unique environmental factors to contribute to CWP. Various candidates such as serotonin-related pathway genes were found to be associated with CWP and somatoform symptoms. However, studies show some limitations and need replication. The presented results for CWP could serve as a template for genetic studies on other chronic pain conditions. Ultimately, a more in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms will help with the development of more effective treatment, inform nosology, and reduce the stigma still lingering on this diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine I Kerr
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Burri
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Physiotherapy, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology.,Waitemata Pain Service, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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